Polar Bear

Polar bears are survival specialists in an extreme environment—the Arctic, where winter lasts six months and temperatures average -30ºF. Their large body size, layers of thick, hollow hair, and three to four inches of blubber provide insulation from the cold, in and out of the water. The bears’ streamlined shape, partially webbed forepaws, and buoyant layer of blubber help make them champion swimmers. The polar bear is a skillful predator of seals, with the help of a keen sense of smell, powerful paws, and sharp claws.

• Polar bears depend completely upon the sea for their existence, spending most of their time on the pack ice. 
• Nine-inch wide snowshoe-like paws spread the bear’s weight evenly over a large area, preventing it from sinking into the snow.
• Although polar bear hair may look white, it is actually clear. It only looks white because it reflects the sunlight.
• Underneath its large, shaggy coat, the polar bear’s skin is black, perhaps to attract the sun’s heat.